Monthly Archives: May 2013

Like most 20-somethings, Akron Aeros outfielder Carlos Moncriefenjoys playing video games, especially MLB The Show. He does not create himself in the game, though; instead he thinks about what could be.

“Every time I look at the Indians’ lineup,” Moncrief said. “I just hope that I’m in there one year, and I’ll play with the Indians all the time when I get in the lineup.”

The 24-year-old is not in Cleveland yet, though he is getting close. Moncrief is in Double-A for the first time this season as an outfielder five years after being drafted as a pitcher. Injuries ended his pitching career, but Moncrief has successfully made the transition to the outfield.

Moncrief does not bother Akron’s pitchers with his own personal advice, preferring to take over games with his all-around ability in the field and at the plate. Read More…

Hermida gave Columbus its only run Thursday night with his solo home run, but the importance of his outing goes much deeper than that. The 29-year-old former top prospect is trying to resuscitate his career in Triple-A and is doing a good job so far. He has nine home runs in his first 49 games, owns a .262/.412/.483 line, and is walking a ton (19.9 BB%). Granted, Hermida is also striking out quite a bit (24.5 K%), but it is a tradeoff worth making. The big league roster is pretty flexible right now, but as anyone who reads IBI regularly knows, Hermida has positioned himself as one of the first options for Cleveland should a need arise. He is not flashy, but Hermida seems worthy of a look so far in 2013. Read More…

AKRON, OH — Down 2-1 in the ninth inning, first baseman Jesus Aguilar tied the game with an opposite field home run, just out of right fielder Steven Souza Jr.’s reach at the “It’s A Whole New Ballgame” sign.

After the two teams went six more innings, it almost literally was.

The Akron Aeros (24-30) won 3-2 Thursday night in 15 innings, defeating the Harrisburg Senators (27-27) on a bases-loaded walk-off single by right fielder Carlos Moncrief. Manager Edwin Rodriguez was proud of his team for the extra inning win, but would have been happy win or lose. Read More…

Sometimes pitchers seem to just put everything together. With a fairly problematic 34:25 SO:BB in 51.0 innings so far in 2013, it is not quite time to anoint Morimando the next big thing, but he is turning some heads. The left-hander has struggled from time to time in 2013, but when he is on, things have looked very good. Over his last three starts, Morimando has 17 strikeouts, four walks, and three runs allowed (two earned) in 17.0 innings, a really good run for the 20-year-old. Of course, that ignores the 14 runs allowed (12 earned) in his 14.0 innings before that, but the point is that Morimando is capable of overpowering the opposition. Morimando should spend the entire season in High-A, so hopefully the left-hander will be able to establish some consistency throughout the rest of 2013. Read More…

The Akron Aeros stumbled over the past week, dropping five of seven games and falling to a 22-29 record. After the team’s recent string of losses, the Aeros are 10 games behind the Erie SeaWolves and only 1.5 games ahead of the last-place Altoona Curve.

Before heading out on the road, manager Edwin Rodriguez reiterated his belief that his team needs to focus on taking it one day at a time.

“If they take that approach,” Rodriguez said. “Not only to their game but to their career, chances are it will improve their chances to play in the big leagues because it’s a long season and if you start worrying about what’s going to happen a week from now, you’re going to go crazy.”

There is no way to know if the Aeros made sure to take it one day at a time or not, but either way, the team needs to turn things around starting tonight with a three-game homestand against the Harrisburg Senators. Read More…

As we come up to Memorial Day, Cleveland is still in contention, the weather is nice (if a little cold these past few days), and Indians Baseball Insider is keeping you up to date with all the information you need.

Have a great Memorial Day, remember the sacrifices of people in the armed forces, and enjoy a little time off.

Here are all of the pieces that went up on IBI over the past week: Read More…

When asked if he has any hobbies outside of baseball, Akron Aeros third baseman Giovanny Urshela said no.

The focus is all on baseball for Urshela.

The 21-year-old infielder is swinging the bat well, hitting .275 in his first 39 games at the Double-A level. Urshela’s on-base percentage is lagging behind, however, as he tries to work on his pitch selection. Read More…